Monkeys have always been regarded as fun, lovable and entertainingly witty creatures. They are oftentimes shown in movies as having close interaction with humans and having the ability to be on the same interactive level that is not commonly found to that of other animals in the mammal kingdom. Some are facts, some are fiction. So I'm here to give you 13 facts that shed some light on the line that separates the two.

Number one: Monkeys usually go in groups.
This is attributed to the fact that monkeys are highly social creatures. Although their interaction is mainly with that of their own kind, especially in the wild, this interactive behavior proves to be beneficial in several ways. For one, it helps ward off predators due to the sheer intimidation alone of their numbers. Two, having a "troop" identifies them from that of other groups of monkeys and help establish a sense of territory and boundary. And lastly, there is no need for them to compete for food source since that is usually abundant especially in the jungles.

Number two: Monkeys are classified into two groups - the New World Monkeys and the Old World Monkeys (two of three groups of simian monkeys).
The monkeys found in Africa, central to southern Asia, Japan and India are classified as Old World Monkeys, while those found in Mexico and Central and South America are classified as New World Monkeys. The differences between these two groups of monkeys manifest themselves in the form of varying physical traits.

Number 3: Monkeys actually yawn.
The yawning of a monkey differs from that of the yawning of humans. It can mean that the monkey is either tired or mad at something. So better be careful if you see a monkey yawns; he is far from being sleepy.

Number 4: Howler monkeys are the loudest of all the monkeys.
Some even claim that these monkey's noises can be heard as far as ten miles away. This is also an effective anti-predator trait.

Number 5: Some monkeys have prehensile tails.
This means that they have the ability to have their tails grab and hold objects pretty much like how their hands can. This enables them to swing fluidly from tree to tree and agilely climb up on the trees' branches.

Number 6: Monkeys groom each other.
Monkeys grooming can be in the form of getting rid of the lice usually prevalent in their fur and also tidying up some wayward body hair. Interestingly, this is also their form of affection and a sign of making peace with each other.

Number 7: Monkeys never catch cold.
There's something about monkeys' physiological makeup that make them immune to the influenza virus.

Number 8: A monkey was once convicted under the American constitution.
It was reported that a monkey was once tried and convicted for smoking a cigarette in South Bend, Indiana.

Number 9: Monkeys can breed any time of the year.
Again reverting to their similarities to humans, monkeys don't have a "season" for breeding. They can spawn or reproduce whenever and wherever at whatever time of the year.

Number 10: Monkeys communicate just like how the humans do.
Just like how humans communicate, monkeys use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate.

Number 11: You're not allowed to smile or grin at a monkey.
Grinning or pulling the lip is a sign of aggression in monkeys. Along with bobbing the head or jerking it forward along with the shoulders.

Number 12: Spider monkeys are the crowd favorites.
It has been known that the spider monkeys have appeared in more films than any other breed of monkey.

Number 13: Monkeys are anti-banana peels.
A monkey will never eat banana as it is. He would rather peel it first then throw away the peel.

Monkey Facts [http://monkey-facts.net] sure to entertain! Be sure to get more interesting facts at [http://monkey-facts.net]

William Dains Jr

As a professional writer Bill accepts various paid writing assignments. Articles on most any topic are his specialty. He is also a non-fiction ghost writer for people who have an idea or story to tell without the skills to create a submittable book manuscript. Sorry, he does not accept term paper or technical writing assignments. Bill can be contacted on FACEBOOK.